|
SOFT-TISSUE MANIPULATIVE
THERAPY
ACTIVE RELEASE
TECHNIQUE®
Active Release Technique® (ART) is a patented,
state-of-the-art soft tissue management system that
treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia
and nerves. Repetitive Strain Injuries and Cumulative
Injuries Disorders can be resolved quickly and permanently
with ART. These conditions all have one important thing
in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
Repetitive strain and/or cumulative injuries can cause
your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the
affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down
tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds
up, muscles become shorter and weaker, causing tension
on tendons, and nerves can become entrapped. This can
cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and
pain. If a nerve is entrapped you may also feel tingling,
numbness, and weakness.
Every ART session is actually a combination of examination
and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands
to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles,
fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Dysfunctional
tissues are treated by combining precisely directed
tension with very specific patient movements.
These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves
- are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify
and correct the specific problems that are affecting
each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter
approach.
ART has been developed, refined, and patented by P.
Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his
patients' symptoms seemed to be related to changes in
their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing
how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded
to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently
resolve over 90% of his patients' problems. He now teaches
and certifies health care providers all over the world
to use ART.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Derived from the Latin words "myo" - meaning
muscle, and "fascia" - for band; Myofascial
Release Therapy (MRT) releases tension from the fibrous
bands of connecting tissue (fascia) aiming to free constrictions
or blockages in the fascia, thereby alleviating problems
with connective tissue scarring or injury.
MRT utilizes gentle, kneading manipulation that softly
stretches, lengthens and realigns fascia. After careful
observation of ones posture, a myofascial release therapist
will feel for restricted areas of the body. When restricted
areas are found, the myofascial release therapist will
gently stretch tissues along the direction of the muscle
fibers. This stretch is held until a softening or release
is felt. The process is then repeated until the tension
is felt no more. By using MRT, disruptions of the fascial
network are freed and tension on bones, muscles, joints
and nerves is relieved. Myofascial release is often
used in conjunction with other manipulative techniques
to aid in optimal tissue texture and function.
CROSS-FRICTION RELEASE
Cross-friction Release (CRT) is a manual therapy that
is applied directly to the lesion and transverse to
the direction of the soft-tissue fibers. The application
of CRT causes an analgesic effect and realigns individual
muscle, tendon, and ligament fibers at the site of injury.
The technique is often used in conjunction with other
manipulative techniques to aid in optimal tissue texture
and function.
CHIROPRACTIC MANIPULATIVE THERAPY
Since its beginning, chiropractic has been based on
the scientific fact that the nervous system controls
the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system
of your body.
While the brain is protected by the skull, the spinal
cord and its nerves that extend into the extremities
are more vulnerable. When the joints of the body (spine
and extremities) lose their normal motion or position,
they can irritate the nervous system. This disrupts
the function of the tissues or organs these nerves control.
Chiropractic is the science of locating these areas
of spinal and extremity malpositions, the art of correcting
them, and the philosophy of things natural.
The art of correcting areas of spinal and extremity
malpositions requires using carefully directed and controlled
pressure to restore spinal and extremity joints to a
more optimal position, increasing motion. When spinal
and extremity structural alignment is improved, nervous
system function will be restored.
FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING
Functional strength training simply means training
our bodies to better perform the types of movements
we use for everyday living. Activities or exercises
are focused on the integration of core strength and
stability with full body movements. This will enable
the individual to execute activities of daily living
without the risk of injury.
Functional strength movements we perform can also include
actions specific to a sport or competition. The only
difference between activities of daily living and sport
specific movements is the amount of stress on the body.
Consequently, the importance of functional strength
and conditioning is paramount no matter what your level
of activity or fitness.
|
